These are not the most famous 80’s arcade games, as based on scientific polling. They’re not the leading money-making games of the decade, either. However they are my very own most favorite, decided completely subjectively through utter force of viewpoint, tinged with some sweet, rose-colored nostalgia. Having said that, these are: the top five arcade games of the 1980’s, in no specific order. You may want to differ, but realize that you’re completely wrong.
First off is, needless to say, Pac Man. A cliché perhaps, in some people’s heads, but I prefer to think of him as an icon. In any event, Pac Man is undoubtedly the king of 80’s arcade games. Even today I appreciate the charming simpleness of this 80’s arcade superstar. Move him through the puzzle. Eat the dots. Steer clear of the ghosts. Eat the super pellets. Eat the ghosts. Turn tail and run again. There’s something very classy about this classic 80’s video game.
The next on my list of the best 80’s arcade games will have to be Centipede. Again, an effective concept – and like Pac Man, it’s a game format that we haven’t noticed repeated in the intervening years. Unlike most 80’s arcade games, Centipede had no joystick. Instead, it had a odd rolling ball, along with a primal sense of imminent tragedy as the centipede crept down the screen to destroy you.
There are lots of fun and unforgettable 80’s arcade games, that it does become hard to narrow them down to a few cherished favorites. One game that definitely must be included on the list is Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong is a old classic among 80’s arcade games for countless reasons. Without DK, we’d never have Mario, for starters. The sound effects of the original Donkey Kong game still echo in my head every now and then, reminding me of the whole 80’s arcade experience.
Yet another excellent arcade game of the 80’s was the all-time classic, Tron. I must admit that I wouldn’t care at all about the game Tron if it hadn’t been for the motion picture. In fact, In my opinion that Tron the game was really based on Tron the movie, rather than vice versa. In any event, it’s the coolest of 80’s movies and definitely one of my top five 80’s arcade games.
Now, no list of great 80’s arcade games would be complete without a reference to Tetris. Yes, Tetris arrived in the later part of the decade, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be counted on this list. In my opinion, Tetris isn’t just the finest of all 80’s arcade games; it is quite likely the greatest video game of all time. It is completely original, utterly addicting, and strangely enjoyable to experience. I would take Tetris over any other arcade or video game any day.